Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 36a:

In page 47, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following:“Amendment of section 21 (Power to Make Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy) of Principal Act

10. The Principal Act is amended in section 21(3) by inserting the following paragraphs after paragraph (b):

“(c) In the case of a regional spatial and economic strategy for one or more parts of a region pursuant to a direction under paragraph (a), only members of a county council or city and county council elected in accordance with this Act for the local electoral areas situated in a planning authority covered by the strategy, collectively comprise the assembly membership for that area for the purpose of the performance of reserved functions and collectively shall be known as ‘area strategic plan members’.

(d) In the case of a regional spatial and economic strategy for one or more parts of a region, the plan shall be considered only by the area strategic plan members elected from planning authorities covered by the strategy and be adopted by resolution, with or without amendment, within such time limit and in accordance with such conditions and requirements, as may be so prescribed.’’.”.

This is a key amendment and a key democratic element. The new metropolitan area strategic plans are a welcome addition, as they strengthen Ireland's regional government in addition to the need to implement national planning frameworks, NPFs. The Minister of State and I spoke at length about this and about the democratic deficit relating to these amendments. Once the plan has been made, it must be transposed into the development plan. As I would prefer not to put this to a vote, I will give the Minister of State an opportunity to revert to me on this and will probably table the amendment again on Report Stage. There is, however, a real deficit in this area. This would be a key strategy, especially in regard to our capital city. As I pointed out in private discussions, members from Longford will have an impact on the four Dublin authorities, with 60% of the population and 47% of the representation rights. I would welcome the Minister of State's contribution and reply after that.